Hungary officially
took over the presidency of the European Union (EU) at a ceremony in the
parliament building on Thursday evening, attended by EU and Hungarian
dignitaries.

Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme (2nd L Front) hands over the European Union (EU) flag to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (1st L Front) in Budapest, capital of Hungary, Jan. 6, 2011. Hungary officially took over the presidency of the EU at a ceremony in the parliament building on Thursday evening, attended by EU and Hungarian dignitaries. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi)

Belgian Prime Minister
Yves Leterme, as the previous president of the EU, spoke first, emphasizing the
Community’s joy at the appearance of the nations of new Europe, which included
Hungary.

He then spoke about the
Lisbon Treaty and Stockholm Program and responsibilities derived from them.
Leterme voiced full confidence in Hungary as the new EU president, presenting
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban with the EU banner.

In his speech, Orban
pointed out that Belgium had begun to lead the EU out of the economic crisis.
Hungary, he said, was undergoing a period of renewal.

He called for advancing
the spirit of Europe, which had shown the values of friendship following war and
democracy.

According to the
government, Hungary’s priorities as EU president include spurring economic
growth while preserving the European social model, which includes preserving or
even improving living conditions for European citizens.

It also plans to encourage
the enlargement process, offering the Western Balkans the perspective of
integration. Hungary will host the second Eastern Partnership Summit in May
2011.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet